Quakers highlight refugee welcome
Quakers in Britain are encouraging meetings to mark Sanctuary Sunday on 21 June, part of Refugee Week.
Sanctuary Sunday highlights the growing Church of Sanctuary movement supporting churches to build cultures of safety and inclusion.
A spokesperson for the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN) said: "We hope that Refugee Week will strengthen Quakers' determination to stand up against the immigration and asylum policies of this government.
“Their deliberate cruelty is causing anguish and despair on a scale never seen before in this country."
Some Quakers would already have plans for Refugee Week, QARN said. But they encouraged meetings to discern something they could do to stand with people seeking asylum in an increasingly hostile environment.
This could be as simple as displaying QARN leaflets or Quaker posters such as "This is not a migrant crisis", holding worship focused on sanctuary, connecting with local refugee groups, or organising a discussion on hospitality.
People seeking asylum are facing rising hostility and, in some cases, violence, across the UK. Sanctuary Sunday offers a chance to share stories of kindness and community in response.
More than 100 Quaker meetings across Britain committed to being sanctuary meetings.
This includes offering practical help including English classes, shared meals and support with everyday needs, as well as spaces for friendship and belonging.
Sanctuary Sunday is an initiative of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, working with partners including City of Sanctuary.